Factors associated with persistent poor solid waste management in Industrial City Division, Mbale City

Abstract

Background: Poor solid waste management is still a great challenge being faced by urban authorities in Uganda including Industrial division, Mbale city. This is witnessed by existence of heaps of the accumulated solid wastes along the streets, hence prompting the researcher’s interests towards understanding the factors associated with persistent poor solid waste management. Methodology: The cross-sectional descriptive with mixed methods of data collection was designed. At cell level, we purposively selected two cells and conveniently selected 386 households. Semi-structured questionnaires were digitalized into Google forms uploaded on an android enabled smart phone and analyzed using STATA version 14.1. For qualitative data collection, six key informant interviews and two focus group discussions were conducted. These discussions were recorded and later transcribed verbatim and finally analyzed through deductive thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti. Results: Majority of the respondents, 40% (155/386) were aged 36-45 years followed by those aged 46 years and above 31% (119/386). Slightly above average, 52% (210/386) were female 69% (265/386) were married, followed by 17% (64/386) were single. For types of solid wastes generated, 69% (258/386) were vegetables, food wastes and leaves, followed by 14% (55/386) polythene, the least were medical wastes at 3% (11/386). For storage of waste before disposal,72% (280/386) never stored their wastes at home before disposal whereas 28% (106/386) stored their wastes at home before disposal. Markets and shops p <0.000 (95% CI -0.36, - 0.12), where the main sources of these generated solid wastes and mostly generated in the wet seasons p = 0.01 (95% CI -0.26 - 0.04). Frequency of payment of solid waste management fee – weekly p = 0.01 (95% CI 0.27-1.73). Conclusion: Generally, there was poor solid waste management in Industrial division evidenced by open/crude dumping the commonly practiced method of final disposal characterized by insufficient transportation means as their main constraining factor. A weekly payment of an approved solid waste management fee enforced by the leaders would play a big role towards improvement and management of these generated solid wastes in industrial City division, Mbale City, Uganda.